Gospel Doctrine: Selections from the Sermons and Writings of Joseph F. SmithSmith, Joseph F. (Joseph Fielding)
Religion
Gospel Doctrine: Selections from the Sermons and Writings of Joseph F. Smith
Smith, Joseph F. (Joseph Fielding)
Latter Day Saint churches
THE TRUEST GREATNESS. After all, to do well those things which
God ordained to be the common lot of all man--kind, is the truest
greatness. To be a successful father or a successful mother is greater
than to be a successful general or a successful statesman. One is
universal and eternal greatness, the other is ephemeral. It is true
that such secondary greatness may be added to that which we style
commonplace; but when such secondary greatness is not added to that
which is fundamental, it is merely an empty honor, and fades away from
the common and universal good in life, even though it may find a place
in the desultory pages of history. Our first care, after all, brings
us back to that beautiful admonition of our Savior: "Seek ye first the
kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be
added unto you." (Matt. 6:33.)
We should never be discouraged in those daily tasks which God has
ordained to the common lot of man. Each day's labor should be
undertaken in a joyous spirit and with the thought and conviction
that our happiness and eternal welfare depend upon doing well that
which we ought to do, that which God has made it our duty to do. Many
are unhappy because they imagine that they should be doing something
unusual or something phenomenal. Some people would rather be the
blossom of a tree and be admiringly seen than be an enduring part of
the tree and live the commonplace life of the tree's existence.
Let us not be trying to substitute an artificial life for the true
one. He is truly happy who can see and appreciate {359} the beauty
with which God has adorned the commonplace things of life.--_Juvenile
Instructor,_ Vol. 40, pp. 752-3, Dec. 15, 1905.
PARENTS RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR CHILDREN. The parents in Zion will be
held responsible for the acts of their children, not only until they
become eight years old, but, perhaps, throughout all the lives of their
children, provided they have neglected their duty to their children
while they were under their care and guidance and the parents were
responsible for them.--_Apr. C. R.,_ 1910, p. 6.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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